by Melissa Nicholas

ETG Hotel Hotlist: 2025 Favourites

Here at ETG, we live by the mantra: always exploring. We’re curious about the world and are constantly uncovering new spots or revisiting familiar favourites to make sure every hand-picked hotel in our collection adds something special to your travels. From fabulous forts to beautiful boutique hotels and authentic homestays, these are all places where luxury meets adventure — whatever luxury means to you: a gorgeous pool? Spot-on service? Soul-stirring views?

One of the biggest perks of our job is staying at these gems ourselves (we know, we know, it’s a tough life…). As we creep closer to the end of the year, we’re reflecting back our 2024 research trips and have rounded up Team ETG’s favourite hotels:

Handpicked by ETG’s Co-Founders & Product Gurus

Our visionaries and those most in–the–know about hot hotels

Qunci Villas, Indonesia

I’d have to say Qunci Villas. I loved seeing surfers catch waves right in front of me while eating breakfast and ending the day watching amazing sunsets over a Balinese volcano in the distance. Bliss. I’d recommend it in a heartbeat. Melissa

Stay here while delving into ‘The Spirit of Indonesia’

Nine Furlongs, India

The view! Waking up to the Nanda Devi range of the Himalayas – 180 degrees around – from my beautiful wooden and stone cottage was spectacular… and surprisingly emotional. The atmosphere and energy there are indescribable. Sam

Spend time here while travelling around India’s ‘Golden Triangle & The Himlayas’

Rock Villa, Sri Lanka

The food was simply incredible – worth going just for that. Every meal was different, every course full of surprises – always infused with love and imagination. I don’t think I’ve ever enjoyed food as much as I did on my two days there! And then there are the gardens, the discreet service and the pickleball court and beach tennis kit to play with. Also, over a few days, you get to slowly appreciate the use of tone and colour throughout the property and how there’s a theme running through everything. It’s an enchanted place. Tom

Settle in for a few days yourself on a Sri Lanka holiday, exploring the island’s south-west coast.

The Mudhouse, Sri Lanka

The Mudhouse blew me away! It’s totally intertwined with nature and has huge grounds, little luxury touches and super friendly staff… it’s unlike any other ‘hotel’ I’ve ever been to. Jamie

Switch off at this absolute gem of an eco-lodge on a ‘Digital Detox in Sri Lanka’

Handpicked by ETG’s Travel Team

Our destination specialists who really know their stuff

Shinta Mani Mustang, Nepal

We both loved Shinta Mani Mustang for so many reasons! The Bill Bensley-designed rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that let in the epic, ever–changing mountain views are even cooler in person. There are lots of opportunities to explore Mustang and ‘stumble across’ monasteries (where we were invited in to meet monks and sit in on atmospheric chanting). The staff are so sweet and really want to show you the best of their country and the spa is also a real treat – there’s even a resident amchi (traditional healer). Sara & Holly

Experience the joy of staying here on an ETG Nepal holiday

Nirjhara, Indonesia

I couldn’t fault this hotel in Bali at all – everything was excellent: from the service and food to the phenomenal pool and complimentary bike tour to Tanah Lot in the early morning (when there are no tourists in sight).

Stay at this gorgeous hotel on an adventure in Bali & Lombok

A luxury boat in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

My favourite hotel of 2024 is actually a boat. A highlight of my honeymoon was exploring Raja Ampat on a luxury yacht, which was even more amazing than it sounds. Think sailing the bluest of sea between far-flung islands and snorkelling with incredible marine life like blacktip (friendly) sharks, dolphins, turtles and nemo. Just fabulous. Lola

Set off on your own Indonesian Extravaganza to sail around this pristine part of the world.

Amba Estate, Sri Lanka

My favourite hotel from my travels this year has to be Amba Estate, which I loved for its ethos, views, and brews (I tried so many on their fantastic tea tour). It’s run by lovely people and feels wonderfully homely – I just wish I could’ve stayed longer! Chione

Weave in some time here during this classic ETG Sri Lanka holiday.

Raya Heritage, Thailand

I absolutely adored this hotel in Chiang Mai. Right on the edge of the Ping River, it’s a sanctuary of calm amid the city’s hustle and bustle. The beautiful rooms are spacious and sleek with Thai touches – like handwoven textiles and woodwork – so it feels authentic.

Our classic ETG Thailand holiday includes three nights here.

Canvas & Orchids, Cambodia

I really felt like I was on an adventure here, but with all the creature comforts. The staff are so warm and welcoming and come from the local area – you can feel their enthusiasm for their home! I thought it was great that the hotel educates and trains them in different hospitality roles, too. Heading out with my guide to meet local families and craftspeople was really fun and interesting, not forced or contrived at all. Ella

Stay at this atmospheric tented lodge while discovering the ‘Hidden Gems of Cambodia’

Thotalagala, Sri Lanka

Thotalagala was hands-down my favourite hotel – it’s the little touches that make it so special. From the moment I arrived, the lovely staff had thought of everything: a welcome of spiced hot chocolate and banana bread with a steaming towel, a hot water bottle discreetly tucked into my bed in the evening, and a flask of tea ready and waiting when I woke up. And don’t get me started on the private afternoon tea! Lynsey

Experience the joy of staying here on our ‘Slow-Paced Luxury Holiday in Sri Lanka’

Handpicked by ETG’s Marketing Team

Our curious content creators and those who spread the word

Ahilya Fort, India

I’d heard such great things about Ahilya Fort, but it still blew my (high) expectations out of the water. It’s in a magical spot on the banks of the sacred Narmada River, perched high above the ghats. I loved simply taking stock of my surroundings and feeling immersed in the rhythm of local life: from meandering through the morning market to watching spiritual rituals unfold as a pastel sunset turned the sky pink. Also, staying within the fort’s beautifully restored rooms felt like a genuine privilege. Augusta

Feel the magic of Maheshwar by staying here on our ‘Less is more in Madhya Pradesh’ holiday

The Siam, Thailand

The Siam for its incredible food with perfect portions, balanced flavors, and a menu that wasn’t overwhelming. Amazing views from the private pier, where I watched one of my favorite sunsets of the trip while sipping a cocktail. The interior design made me never want to leave: the hotel and rooms felt like an art gallery yet still managed to be warm and welcoming, and Bill Bensley’s signature monochrome is paired with colourful vintage, one-of-a-kind items from his antiques collection, which adds so much interest. Bonus: the black-and-white theme perfectly matched my nails and outfit that day. Bonus bonus: that bathtub! Siobhan

Spend a night or two here during our ‘Luxury Thailand holiday’

Handpicked by ETG’s Ops Team

Our behind-the-scenes team who make sure all ETG adventures run smoothly

Villa Rosa, Sri Lanka

I’d say Villa Rosa in Kandy. It has a great pool with an even greater view. It’s humble and atmospheric with well-sized rooms, charming staff, and excellent Sri Lankan food. James

Call this your home away from home while on ETG’s ‘Boutique Sri Lanka’ holiday

Smiling Gecko Farmhouse, Cambodia

I have a few favorites, but this luxurious farmhouse-style hotel with an oasis-like pool and spa is up there. Smiling Gecko is an impressive NGO project that’s incredible to experience in person like its fully functioning farm with organic produce. It was hard to tear myself away at the end of my stay… Jamie

Stay at this hidden gem during our ‘Grand Journey around Cambodia’

FEELING INSPIRED TO STAY AT ONE OF THESE HOTELS?

Please get in touch on 0203 993 4433 .

Alternatively, fill out an online enquiry form to start your journey.